Development of Green Storable Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Technology Using 98% Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizer

Abstract

This paper presents the development of indigenous hybrid rocket technology, using 98% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer. Consecutive steps are presented, which started with interest in hydrogen peroxide and the development of technology to obtain High Test Peroxide, finally allowing concentrations of up to 99.99% to be obtained in-house. Hydrogen peroxide of 98% concentration (mass-wise) was selected as the workhorse for further space propulsion and space transportation developments. Over the course nearly 10 years of the technology’s evolution, the Lukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Aviation completed hundreds of subscale hybrid rocket motor and component tests. In 2017, the Institute presented the first vehicle in the world to have demonstrated in-flight utilization for 98% hydrogen peroxide. This was achieved by the ILR-33 AMBER suborbital rocket, which utilizes a hybrid rocket propulsion as the main stage. Since then, three successful consecutive flights of the vehicle have been performed, and flights to the Von Karman Line are planned. The hybrid rocket technology developments are described. Advances in hybrid fuel technology are shown, including the testing of fuel grains. Theoretical studies and sizing of hybrid propulsion systems for spacecraft, sounding rockets and small launch vehicles have been performed, and planned further developments are discussed.

Data acquisition unit for suborbital rocket vibration measurement

“…It is a development of the ILR-33 AMBER, which was the first rocket in the world to demonstrate the use of 98% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer in flight. The key characteristics of the rocket are: very small size and mass, a propulsion system utilizing a main hybrid motor and two solid boosters, the ability to provide accessible dedicated launches for mesosphere and thermosphere sounding [8]. The rocket's configuration is shown in figure 1.…”

Testing of the N2O/HDPE Vortex Flow Pancake Hybrid Rocket Engine with Augmented Spark Igniter

“…Most of the developed hybrids use GOX as an oxidizer, a selection that is not particularly practical for in-space applications due to its low storage density and high pressure (as shown in Table 1). From the short list of green oxidizers, N 2 O and HTP (hydrogen peroxide) appear to be the most practical options for space propulsion [30]. Recently Nytrox (a mixture of O 2 and N 2 O) was proposed [3,31] to enhance N 2 O performance and safety, but it requires temperatures below 0 • C, thereby excluding it from the category of storable propellants.…”

Optimization of the Gas Generator in Composite Power System with Tip-Jet Rotor

“…High-concentration hydrogen peroxide is a green propellant that is easy to store, high-density, non-toxic, and non-polluting [10]. Hydrogen peroxide decomposition produces water and oxygen, which can be used as a single-component propellant or as an oxidizer [11] [12], widely used in the aerospace field [13]. There are numerous matching fuel types, such as organic amines, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and hydrazines [14].…”